One of the leading brands in the field of smartwatches is Garmin. But do you know which are all the models you can choose from? Here is a very useful comparison between three of the most popular ranges for users: Garmin Forerunner vs Vivoactive vs Fenix. We’ve already told you that the differences are significant, although they also have similarities that make them three very interesting options. Do you want to know why? Read on!
Contents
- 1 Garmin Forerunner vs Vivoactive vs Fenix: The most prolific ranges
- 2 Garmin Forerunner vs Vivoactive vs Fenix: How are they similar?
- 3 Garmin Forerunner vs Vivoactive vs Fenix: Key Differences
- 4 Garmin Forerunner vs Vivoactive vs Fenix: Final conclusion
- 5 Which smartwatches are the best sellers on Amazon?
Garmin Forerunner vs Vivoactive vs Fenix: The most prolific ranges
First of all, it’s important to know which models you’ll find in each series, as they don’t all offer the same range.
- Forerunner: this range is the largest of the three, with a total of 13 models. Actually, there are 7 models with several versions each. You can choose between Forerunner 45, 55, 245 (standard and Music), 255 (standard, S, Music, SMusic), 745, 945 (standard and LTE) and 955 (standard and Solar).
- Vivoactive: in this case, there are only two models available, Vivoactive 4 and 4S.
- Fenix: the third range is made up of 8 models, which are actually three with different variants. These are the Garmin Fenix 7 (standard, solar and solar sapphire), Fenix 7S (solar, sapphire and standard) and 7X (solar and solar sapphire).
In order for the comparison to be objective, we are going to take three basic models from each series as a reference: Garmin Forerunner 245, Garmin Vivoactive 4 and Garmin Fenix 7.
Garmin Forerunner vs Vivoactive vs Fenix: How are they similar?
Although they are three different series, they belong to the same brand, which makes them share the following qualities:
Basic measurement options
In addition to the more advanced functionalities we have already seen, the three Garmins also share other more basic features. These include the option to take calls and messages, check the calendar or weather, control the music, or use the find your phone or watch function.
All three are also capable of counting steps taken, calories burned, distance travelled or minutes of intensity for each workout.
Heart rate
Let’s now analyse the similarities from a functional point of view, and the first thing that stands out is that our three protagonists are able to measure blood oxygen saturation.
They are also capable of analysing heart rate and displaying the results in real time. In fact, in this regard, all three will issue a warning if they detect an anomaly in this respect.
Colour display
We continue talking about the screen, in this case, to add that all three smartwatches have a colour screen, which will allow you to see all the data collected on it more comfortably. However, only the Vivoactive and Fenix models have a touchscreen, not the Forerunner. On the other hand, all three screens are transflective and visible in sunlight.
Connectivity
If you want to synchronise your smartwatch with your smartphone, you can do so either via Bluetooth or via the Garmin mobile app. It’s also worth noting that Vivoactive and Fenix are also WiFi compatible.
Glass protection
One of the similarities is that all three smartwatches have Corning Gorilla Glass, so they have the same protection against external shocks. It is worth noting that the Forerunner and the Vivoactive have version 3, but in practice, the performance is very similar. Also, all three models have the default silicone strap.
Sensor suite
Another similarity between the three models is that they have GPS, Glonass and Galileo sensors, as well as compass and accelerometer. Only the Vivoactive and Fenix models have a gyroscope and barometric altimeter, but any of the three are useful for activities such as hiking.
Garmin Forerunner vs Vivoactive vs Fenix: Key Differences
Let’s take a look at the main differences between Garmin’s three smartwatch ranges:
Screen size
To be fair, the difference in this respect is minimal, but it’s worth noting. The Garmin Forerunner has a 1.2-inch screen, slightly smaller than the Vivoactive and Fenix at 1.3 inches. In terms of resolution, the Vivoactive has a resolution of 240 x 240, compared to 260 x 260 pixels for the Fenix and the Vivoactive.
Activity tracking
Neither do they offer the same excellence in terms of the data analysed for each of the most common sports activities. To summarise briefly, we give you the following data:
- If you usually do sport in the gym, your best ally is the Garmin Vivoactive. This is because it is the one that analyses the greatest variety of aspects, including breathing techniques, something that its rivals do not offer.
- For athletes, the best choice is the Garmin Fenix. It is the only one of the three designed to measure performance in an ultramarathon, and it is the one that integrates the most features for this sport.
- The same is true if you play golf, in which case you should also opt for the Fenix. It is the only one of the three to offer personalised targets, handicap scoring or wind speed data.
- Outdoor activities require a detailed level of measurement from a smartwatch, something the Garmin Fenix more than delivers.
- For cycling and swimming, the situation is the same, although it is worth noting that the difference between the Garmin Fenix and the Vivoactive is not as pronounced as in the aforementioned sports.
Sleep monitoring
More than a few people decide to monitor the quality of their sleep thanks to the measurements that smartwatches can take. In this aspect, the most complete is the Garmin Fenix, as it is the only one of the three that offers complete information and performs exhaustive monitoring.
On the other hand, if we look at the relaxation reminders, only the Garmin Vivoactive actively communicates them on the display.
Full range of use
One of the most important differences is undoubtedly the battery life. In this respect, the Garmin Forerunner can run for 7 days, which is reduced to 24 hours if you activate the GPS mode. Under the same conditions, the Garmin Vivoactive lasts 8 days and 6 hours respectively (combining GPS mode with music).
The Garmin Fenix, on the other hand, offers the most battery life options. With normal use, it can last up to 18 days without recharging. It is also the only one of the three with a battery saver mode, which extends battery life to 57 days. If you activate GPS, the battery life is 57 hours.
Water tolerance level
Nor do all three smartwatches have the same ability to tolerate water. In this case, the advantage goes to the Fenix, which can be submerged to 100 metres, thanks to its 10 ATM resistance. The Forerunner and Vivoactive have a 5 ATM rating, which allows them to be submerged to a maximum of 50 metres.
Contactless payment
If you are used to paying with your devices such as your smartphone or smartwatch, you should know that the Garmin Forerunner cannot connect to Garmin Pay, which is Garmin’s official payment gateway. You can do so with the Vivoactive and Fenix models.
Value for money
Finally, we highlight an important difference for many users: the price. It stands to reason that the Garmin Forerunner 245 is the cheapest, while the Garmin Fenix is the most expensive. However, keep in mind that this can vary, as within the Forerunner and Fenix series there is a wide variety of price ranges.
Garmin Forerunner vs Vivoactive vs Fenix: Final conclusion
Finally, we have to decide which of the three Garmin ranges suits us best, although you know that this is a very personal decision that will depend on the individual needs of each user. In fact, as you have seen, not all of them offer the same performance depending on your sport.
Generally speaking, the Garmin Fenix is the most complete model; or, at least, the one that integrates the most different functionalities. However, that doesn’t mean it’s the most suitable for you. For example, if you’re into fitness and gym workouts, you may also be interested in the Garmin Vivoactive, which is a cheaper option.
And, if you’re on a budget that doesn’t allow you to opt for the Fenix, the Garmin Forerunner offers really attractive value for money and its results are interesting, even if they’re not as detailed.
As you can see, there is a smartwatch for everyone; you just have to identify your main needs and know your limitations to choose the one that best suits them. Of course, all three models come with Garmin’s quality guarantee, so there’s nothing to worry about.
Which smartwatches are the best sellers on Amazon?
Before we finish, let us tell you which Garmin smartwatches are the best sellers on Amazon, so you can compare the experiences of other users and find out for sure:
- Know your body better with extensive health monitoring features, including the Health Snapshot feature, Body Battery energy levels, sleep score, fitness age, stress tracking and more
- Find new ways to keep your body moving with more than 25 built-in indoor and GPS sports apps, including walking, running, cycling, HIIT, swimming, golf and many more
- Use preloaded workouts that include cardio, yoga, strength, HIIT and Pilates, create your own in the Garmin Connect app on your compatible smartphone, or try Garmin Coach free adaptive training plans to help you prepare for your next running challenge
- Download up to 650 songs to your watch, including playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music or Deezer, and connect with wireless headphones (not included) for phone-free listening
- Never miss a call, text or social media alert with smart notifications delivered right to your wrist — when paired with a compatible Android or Apple smartphone
- 010-02426-12
- Lasts for one week
- Connected functions (SMS and call tracking, Garmin PayTM)
- Health Wellness Tracker, Multi-Sports, Built-in GPS and Cardio Wrist
- 40 mm dial, interchangeable strap
- Suit your style with a smartwatch that’s available in three colors and features a bright, crisp AMOLED display
- Enjoy the convenience of making and taking phone calls from your wrist when paired with your compatible smartphone
- Use your compatible smartphone’s voice assistant to respond to text messages, ask questions, control compatible smart home devices and more
- Know your body better with extensive health monitoring features, including the Health Snapshot feature, Body Battery energy levels, sleep score and insights, fitness age, stress tracking and more
- Find new ways to keep your body moving with more than 25 built-in indoor and GPS sports apps, including walking, running, cycling, HIIT, swimming, golf and many more
- Tune in to your health 24/7 with pulse ox (this is not a medical device and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or monitoring of any medical condition)
- Easily download songs to your watch, including playlists from Spotify or Deezer (may require a premium subscription with a third-party music provider), and connect with headphones (sold separately) for phone-free listening
- Record all the ways to move with more than 20 preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps, including yoga, running, swimming and more
- Get easy-to-follow, animated workouts right on your watch screen, including strength, cardio, yoga and Pilates
- Battery life: up to 7 days in smartwatch mode; up to 5 hours in GPS and music mode. GPS mode without music: Up to 15 hours. Display size: 1.1 inch (27.9 mm) diameter
- See everything clearly with large, easy-to-read text on the bright AMOLED display that includes an always-on mode, perfect for quick glances
- With up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, you won’t have to take your watch off every night to charge — which means a more complete 24/7 picture of your health
- Health is important to you, so monitor everything from your Body Battery energy levels, sleep score, respiration, hydration and stress to women’s health, heart rate a
- Find new ways to keep your body moving with more than 25 built-in indoor and GPS sports apps, including walking, running, cycling, HIIT, swimming, golf and many more
- Easily download songs to your watch, including playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music or Deezer premium subscription may be required, and connect with your wireless headphones for phone-free listening